Understanding Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) is a brief, effective therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process trauma and emotional distress. It utilizes a unique combination of rapid eye movements, guided imagery, and memory rescripting to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories. Many individuals experience significant relief in just a few sessions, making A.R.T. a fast-acting and powerful option for those struggling with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
How A.R.T. Works
A.R.T. involves a process where clients follow the therapist’s hand movements with their eyes while focusing on specific distressing memories. As the memory is processed, clients are guided to replace disturbing images with more positive, self-chosen ones. This process helps reframe how the memory is stored in the brain, often reducing emotional intensity and distress. Notably, clients do not need to describe the trauma in detail, which helps make the process more emotionally manageable and accessible.
Benefits of A.R.T.
Clients often report feeling better after just one or two sessions. Because the therapy does not require lengthy verbal recounting of traumatic events, it can be less emotionally taxing. The therapy empowers clients to take control of their healing by choosing how they want to reimagine and respond to their traumatic memories. It is a structured, outcome-focused therapy that supports emotional regulation and healing in a safe, supportive environment.
How We Use A.R.T. at Our Agency
At Family Strategies Counseling Center, A.R.T. is integrated into a range of trauma-informed services. Our therapists use A.R.T. with individuals who have experienced trauma, including childhood abuse, accidents, grief, or anxiety-provoking events. This approach allows clients to move through trauma quickly and with less emotional distress. We’ve seen clients transform feelings of fear and helplessness into confidence and clarity, sometimes in just a few sessions.
We tailor each session to the client’s needs, offering A.R.T. as a stand-alone intervention or in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or family counseling. This integrative approach ensures that clients receive the support they need not just to process trauma, but to apply those gains to their daily lives.
An Example from Our Practice
A client dealing with severe anxiety after a traumatic experience in a hospital setting was struggling to return to medical care. After three A.R.T. sessions, they were able to reframe the memory, reducing the emotional charge and allowing them to visit healthcare facilities without panic. The client reported feeling more in control and no longer overwhelmed by past trauma.
Hope and Healing with A.R.T.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy offers a hopeful, research-supported method for healing from trauma. At Family Strategies Counseling Center, we are proud to offer this transformative therapy to individuals and families seeking lasting change. If you or someone you love is struggling with trauma or emotional distress, we invite you to explore how A.R.T. can help.
Family Strategies Counseling Center has actively serviced clients since 2000 for a wide variety of mental health issues. Our programs for families, individuals and children can help you! Give us a call at (800) 614-8142 or visit our website for more information: Family Strategies Counseling Center.
